Book Review – Smokin’ Hot

21 Wednesday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

Tags

Deep in the heart of Texas, the firefighters are hotter, sexier, and totally out of control. . .

Singe

Stephen is an adrenaline junkie. And then he meets Julia and her sexy curves. He’s on fire with the need for her, a Texas-sized blaze that jumps from one to five alarms the moment their lips touch. . .

Smolder

Marcus lost everything–his wife, his family, his business. Then nearly his life fighting fires. But out of the ashes he found something that never stopped burning. And this time he won’t let go…

Spark

Childhood friends Talia and Dylan have been putting out fires as long as they’ve been in denial about their feelings. But one night everything changes, a fire’s lit, and it’s too hot to ever go out…

Wow, Lynn LaFleur knows how to give her readers HOT HOT firemen with a lot of heart. There are three novellas and each is a standalone story but there are relationships between the characters because they all live in the same city and are volunteer firefighters together. It is nice to have a little bit of a follow-up to the previous stories but not have to read them all in order to enjoy each one.

And each of them is a sensual treat. Her men are different but still wonderful heroes – they are caring, generous and strong of character. Her women are just as compelling – with their own issues and troubles. Together they make for complex reads in tiny little packages. And those reads are blistering both in the bedroom and out, so be prepared for some sizzle.

I often have trouble with novellas because I feel like I miss out on something due to the length – the flow is rushed or the characters are well defined or the plot feels incomplete – but LaFleur skillfully shows that she’s figured out how to tell a complete and addictive story in a small number of pages. Smokin’ Hot is perfect for those looking for a bite-size bit of fun, full of fire and emotion.

Book Review – A Demon In Love

19 Monday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

A Demon In Love, Book Review, Holley Trent, Sons of Gulielmus series

We’re going to start off the week with look at A Demon In Love and a review. This one is perfect for any of you who love paranormal stories.

*****

A Demon In Love

Sons of Gulielmus Book 2

by Holley Trent

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Date of Publication: 5/5/14

ISBN: 978-1-4405-8150-2

Number of pages: 163 (PDF)

Word Count: 79,000

Blurb:

Charles Edison has spent most of his 123 years courting women for Hell. As a faithful son of the demon Gulielmus, he’s never known true affection for women. Which is funny, seeing as how he’s descended from a love god on his mother’s side. Now that he sees his brother falling head over heels, Charles wants the same for himself. He wants to belong to someone.

The Fates conspire to right old wrongs, and Charles learns the woman destined for him is one he shouldn’t want. Marion Wilder’s family has been on the supernatural Most Wanted List for twenty-five years because they were responsible for the demise of a demon. Gulielmus would kill her if he had the chance.

But Marion’s the only human woman Charles can touch without harming. She’s his one chance at having a normal life and a real family, and he would give up anything to keep her. Even his father’s favor.

*****

Excerpt:

She bent to pick up the receipt she’d dropped, and then yelped at the sight of the stranger six feet from her. She blew her fright away on an exhale and put her hand to her heart.

Why did they always frighten her? By now, she should have been used to strange men approaching her. Sometimes they heckled her—the “little girl” truck driver. Occasionally, they tried to sell her things. Dick and weed, mostly. One she didn’t partake in. The other she sure as shit wasn’t going to pay for, even if she were that kind of desperate.

She rolled her eyes and shook her head, hoping he’d catch the drift. Not that they ever did. Bozos.

“Cold night, isn’t it?” he asked. His voice was deep and cultured in the way Shakespearean actors’ voices were. Trained. Odd, seeing as how the only culture this guy had likely rubbed off from the newspapers he slept on. She cocked her head to the side and really studied him. Maybe he was experiencing some sort of delusion and believed he was on the set of a BBC miniseries or something. Maybe a modern retelling of The Taming of the Shrew. She knew which character she’d be cast as, and was already gearing up to play the role if he said something sufficiently stupid. And he would. There was always something wrong with these truck stop guys. Pity, because this one was hot. He had to be around six and a half feet tall, and a nicely proportionate breadth to go with that height. Not bulky, but there were definitely some muscles beneath that jacket. He had to outweigh her by a good hundred pounds.

He fixed a stare on her she couldn’t tell was from blue or gray eyes beneath the pole light, but either way, it was oddly mesmerizing. She couldn’t bring herself to break free of it, although it somehow made her feel exposed.

Naked.

Why was he looking at her like that—like he knew her? She’d never seen the man before. She certainly would have remembered those startling eyes and all that dark hair. Jesus, she liked a bit of mane on her men. Someone could slap him on the cover of a romance novel. Just wrap him in tartan, hand him a sword, and set up an unobtainable fantasy for a few thousand women.

She pursed her lips, considering him. Nah, she’d read probably a hundred thrift store romance novels in the past year, and this guy was too tan to be a Scotsman and not dark enough to be a sheikh. Greek tycoon, maybe? Oh yeah. Put him on the deck of a yacht wearing some of those little European swim trunks and—

“Isn’t it?” he repeated, and raised one dark eyebrow.

“Huh?” She blinked. Did he want something?

He shifted his weight and shoved his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket, grinning at her. Shit, he could have lit up the entire parking lot with that smile. He was so pretty—now, what did he want with her? Whatever it was, she wasn’t paying for it.

She closed her eyes and drew in a bolstering breath. “It’s cold,” she said blandly and hauled her toolbox up into her truck cab.

“Montana’s a pretty inhospitable place, huh? There’s still a month until winter, but I don’t think the snow cares about timeliness.”

“Mm-hmm.” She patted her pockets in search of her keys. The next thing he’d probably say was that he could make it a lot more hospitable for her, if she had enough cash.

Prostitutes were pretty predictable, and she certainly got propositioned enough, though usually the truck stop hos were a little less—upright.

But, shit, did she really look like the kind of woman who’d pay a man for sex? She wrapped her fingers around the handle, prepared to slam the door.

He moved closer and grabbed the door’s edge before she could pull it. “Hey, why don’t you let me buy you a cup of coffee? You look like you could use a cup.”

“I don’t think so, dude.”

She could afford her own coffee, obviously, but no prostitute had ever offered to buy her anything. Must have been a new sales strategy—the hook ’em, then hump ’em.

She just wanted to get back on the road, but he was right. She did need to refill her thermos, fiend that she was. Coffee was her one vice, and she’d forgotten to take the canister into the restaurant with her during dinner. She didn’t want to give the guy the satisfaction, though, no matter how good he looked.

She let her gaze fall on him once again. He looked harmless enough, with his easy stance and hands jammed into the pockets of his coat. His boots were actually quite good quality. Brown leather with some scuffs. Broken in, and wet from snow, but they looked damned expensive. Didn’t seem like hand-me-downs, either. The heels were too good.

There must have been good money in truck stop whoring.

“No, thank you,” she finally managed, and gripped the door handle again after two failed attempts. “I-I need to get back on the road and get this load delivered.”

“Must be lonely,” he said. His grin waned slowly, and this time it was he who looked away, toward a truck entering the lot. He waited until it had circled around to the gas pumps.

“It’s a job,” she said when he looked up again. Damn, those eyes. They were so sad, and for some reason, that made her a little sad, too.

*****

Book Review:

A Demon In Love gives readers a very intriguing world and is a fascinating paranormal story. With characters just as interesting as the world they inhabit, if you are looking for a paranormal story, it is a fantastic choice.

But I’m not sure how it works as a paranormal romance. I liked the world that Trent created, but Marion and Charles spend most of their time apart – not apart in a romantic since, but actually physically apart. And large chunks of time will go by with minimal explanation of what events happen in that time. Not that we need a moment-by-moment narrative, but it was a little odd to me.

It is supposed to be able to stand on its own, which I suppose it can, but I’m not sure if reading the first book would have helped fill in some of the details. Or it could just be that it is supposed to be more paranormal than paranormal romance. I think I was just a little thrown off by the lack of interaction between the two and, to me, the lack of development of their relationship. Without having read the first story, I don’t know how it compares and if it would have helped with my enjoyment.

Even though I missed the romance element, I had a great time reading A Demon In Love and easily recommend it to anyone who is looking for a paranormal read.

*****

Author Info:

Holley Trent is a Carolina girl gone west. Raised in rural coastal North Carolina, she currently resides on the Colorado Front Range with her family. She writes sassy contemporary and quirky paranormal romances set in her home state.

She’s hard at work writing other stories set in the Sons of Gulielmus world, including one for the mysterious Creole cambion Claude.

See Holley’s complete backlist of paranormal and contemporary romances at her website, http://www.holleytrent.com. When she’s not on deadline, she boldly tweets under the handle @holleytrent.

Website: http://www.holleytrent.com

Blog: http://www.holleytrent.com/blog

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/holleytrent

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/writerholleytrent

*****

Giveaway:

-eBook copies of A Demon in Waiting and Melt My Heart (2 bundles, 2 winners)

-$25 e-gift certificate: ARe, Amazon, or B&N (1 winner)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112f634/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out all of the sites involved in the tour.

Book Review – What Goes on Tour

18 Sunday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Claire Boston, What Goes on Tour

What goes on tour, stays on tour … or does it?

Few people know that socially awkward Adrian Hart is actually rock god Kent Downer, and that’s the way Adrian likes it. His privacy is essential, especially now that he has guardianship of his orphaned, ten-year-old niece, Kate. But when the nanny quits in the middle of his tour Adrian finds himself in a bind.

Until Libby Myles walks into his life.

Libby has only ever wanted to become a full-time author and prove to her parents that she can make it on her own. On the surface, the temporary job as the nanny for Kent Downer’s niece looks perfect—the pay is fabulous, the hours are short and Kate is a big fan—it’s the rock star that’s the issue.

Arrogant and way too attractive for anyone’s good, Kent Downer has enough swagger to power a small city. But when he’s out of costume he’s different—shy and uncertain. For Libby it’s a far harder combination to resist. She needs to find a balance between work, writing and ignoring her attraction to the rock star, because if she falls for him, it could mean the end of her dream.

But when a horrible scandal is unleashed—putting young Kate in danger—there’s more heat between Libby and Adrian than just sexual attraction. Libby must figure out if Adrian ever cared for her, or if it was all just part of the show …

I found What Goes on Tour a lot of fun but I do think that maybe there was also a lot going on. There’s: a) Libby’s self-esteem issues and her issues with her parents, b) Adrian’s childhood trauma, c) Kent’s fame, d) Adrian’s long-time friendship with his manager George, e) Kate’s adjustment to her parents’ death, and f) Libby and Adrian’s relationship. That’s a lot to fit into one story – not all of them require a ton of attention so you could probably fit in quite a few of them without any issue but, to me, it’s a little harder with all of them together.

I did like all of the characters involved – Kate is wonderfully precocious, Libby is sweet and caring, and Adrian is dedicated and loving. All of them manage to start developing a wonderful relationship together, despite all of their troubles. It is heart-tugging and emotional and touching. I just really wish that I’d gotten a chance to get to know them all a little better. (And I hope that there are more stories coming because I’d like to see more from George and Libby’s friend Piper. Maybe that will help flesh out some of the relationships and issues introduced here.)

With What Goes on Tour Boston does a great job of giving readers a sweet story, with lovely characters and one of my favorite endings.

Book Review – All I Need Is You

17 Saturday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

All I Need Is You, Book Review, M Malone, The Alexanders series

He’ll do anything to protect her… except fall in love

Kaylee Wilhelm is tired of always being a good, respectful Southern belle. So when the man she loves leaves town after their steamy kiss, she’s done. As a single mother with a demanding singing career, she has no time for pining after her former bodyguard.

Years ago Elliott Alexander disappeared for a year and then came back irrevocably changed. With the FBI still watching, he can’t afford distractions. Especially not sweet kisses from the only woman who gets under his skin.

When she’s targeted by a stalker who seems to know her every move, Eli is the only one who can protect her. He’ll have to stop running from his past and face his demons.

And maybe, just maybe, find his way back home again.

WARNING: This book contains best friends with attitude, blind dates, the reckless use of explosives and a hero that gives new meaning to the term “in the closet”. Did I mention this is a really sexy book? Just saying…

I enjoyed this one a lot more than One More Day. I felt that their reactions and reasoning was more understandable and I found both Kay and Eli engaging – he’s been fighting his feelings for her for months and she’s confused on why. He’s got secrets in his past that cause him to feel unworthy, plus he thinks his … ummm, bedroom preferences … might be more than Kay can take. She’s young and sweet and inexperienced but she loves him and for her that’s enough.

I really enjoyed the mystery in this one. Eli has a security firm that provides protection to high profile people and was on a case with Kay previously (check out He’s the Man for that – you won’t be disappointed in Matt’s story). Now she may be a target again and Eli’s feelings mean that he takes on her case himself, so in between battling his feelings he’s also got to figure out who is targeting her.

All I Need Is You combines a little danger, a little mystery and a lot of heat in one engrossing page-turner.

(I’ve been reading these out of order – Book 3, then the prequel, then Book 1 and now Book 4, somehow missing Book 3 completely – but I haven’t really noticed it being a problem. So if this is your first, then go for it. I think you’ll find it addictive and be looking up those others to add to your TBR pile.)

Book Review – Dare to Resist

16 Friday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Dare to Resist, Laura Kaye, Wedding Dare series

Today’s tour includes another look at Laura Kaye’s Dare to Resist with a review. Check it out below and if you are looking for something steamy, this is definitely the one for you!

*****

DARE TO RESIST is the prequel novella to the sexy wedding event of the year! The Wedding Dare Series brings together five New York Times bestselling authors, one sizzling story of how the bride and groom fell in love, and four super sexy tales of bridesmaids who hope to get lucky in lust—or maybe even love—at their friend’s wedding. Here’s the story that starts it all!

Blurb:

Trapped and tempted, this battle of wills rages all night long…

Kady Dresco and Colton Brooks click on a level that defies logic. There are only two problems. One, he’s her older brother’s irritating best friend, and two, they’re bidding on the same military security services contract.

When the competition heats up, Colton is torn between wanting to strangle Kady (and her annoying brilliance) and kissing her into submission. Which is a bad idea for a million reasons, because Kady’s submission is exactly what he craves. Being trapped in a tiny motel room with the object of his darkest fantasies will require every ounce of his restraint.

Kady doesn’t want his restraint, but Colton knows better. She deserves love, marriage, and a white picket fence—three things Colton can’t give her. But her proximity and the memory of their steamy near-miss three years ago slowly destroys his resolve. And he’s not sure how much longer he can keep his hands off…or his heart closed.

Dare to Resist on Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

Damn she had a smart mouth on her. So many things he’d like to do to temporarily cure her of that. And now he knew she’d enjoy them, too. “Kady, I just meant—”

She huffed, stoking both the flames of his aggression and his arousal. “I got it.”

He fisted his hands. “No, you fucking don’t, because you won’t stop talking long enough for me to explain myself.”

She blanched. “Well, do it. What do you want to say?”

Here it was. Moment of truth time. Fucking finally. “Three years ago—”

“Colton, I don’t want to talk about ancient—”

He was on her in a flash. One hand over her mouth, the other cradling the back of her head so that he didn’t hurt her when he shoved her against the closet door. He held her there with the weight of his own body, his legs on the outsides of hers effectively boxing her in. “It’s not your turn to talk. Understand?”

Eyes wide, nostrils flaring, Kady searched his eyes and finally nodded. He could almost feel the questions rolling off of her.

“Three years ago,” he said again, arching a brow, “I pulled back from what we started for a couple of reasons. Same reasons why I pulled away again yesterday when I wanted to kiss you. But this book…this book makes me wonder if maybe one of those reasons isn’t as relevant as I originally thought.” He heaved a breath and leaned his forehead against hers, bringing them eye to eye. “The guy in your book? I’m that guy,” he said, putting it in terms he hoped she’d understand.

A shiver ran over her body. Against his chest, her nipples went hard.

Holy hell. Did his declaration just turn her on?

Her pupils were dilating. Right there was his answer. His cock went from hard to downright torture.

“You get what I’m saying?” he asked. A small nod. “I get off on being rough. Because I like and respect you, and because you’re my best friend’s little sister—”

Her brows furrowed.

He pressed his hand more firmly against her mouth and nailed her with a stare. “I get it. After our talk yesterday, that’s not how I see you. But it is how Tyler sees you. How he’ll always see you. Big brothers are genetically programmed to be protective of younger sisters no matter their age. Trust me. I know from firsthand experience. So I’ve backed off because I didn’t want to scare you or offend you with what I want, and I certainly didn’t want to piss Tyler off, either.”

Her fingers pulled softly at the hand covering her mouth, a gentle plea. He removed his hand immediately. “Can I say something now?” she asked quietly.

When had Kady Dresco ever asked for permission to speak around him? But he’d exerted a little dominance over her, and she’d responded with submissiveness. Probably wasn’t even aware she’d done it. A dark satisfaction heated his blood and further hardened his cock. “Go ahead.”

*****

Review:

Dare to Resist has one of my favorite storylines – an intense attraction to a friend’s sibling (or a sibling’s friend) – with a touch of a friends to lovers transition. Both Kady and Colton are fun together. They are snarky and caring and have a wonderfully complex history. The dialogue between them is humorous and sassy and full of charm, and their chemistry bleeds through every page.

The biggest issues between Kady and Colton getting together pretty much fall on him. He’s got an honorable streak a mile wide and a huge blind spot to the fact that Kady is all grown up. She may be seeing him with clear eyes but he’s definitely still seeing her with a friend’s little sister filter. And with the horrible marriage his parents had, he’s not sure that he’s made for a long-term relationship. And then there are his more daring preferences in the bedroom.

Once their attraction comes to a head, Dare to Resist definitely heats up. It’s hot and sexy and daring. Brazen books are Entangled’s steamier fare and Kaye’s latest definitely fits in – Colton is a bad boy who will steal your heart in a second.

Once again I’m pleased by how well-developed a novella is. Dare to Resist is complete, intriguing and thoroughly entertaining. Even though it is just over 100 pages long, we get a good feeling for both Kady and Colton and for their motivations. Not only are we there for this latest chapter in their relationship, but Kaye also does a fantastic job of giving us their complicated past. And the ending is so sweet, and fits so well with these two, I finished the last page with a happy smile on my face.

(And it is the perfect introduction to the four Wedding Dare stories coming this summer. I’m definitely looking forward to those.)

*****

About the Wedding Dare Series:

When four bridesmaids dare one another to find lust—or maybe even love—at the destination wedding event of the year, the groomsmen don’t stand a chance. But little do the women know, the men are onto their game, and sparks will fly alongside the bouquet.

Four bridesmaids. Four groomsmen.

Four New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling authors. Long-carried torches, sizzling new attractions, and forbidden conquests will ensure a wedding never to be forgotten.

Tessa Bailey, Baiting the Maid of Honor

Diane Alberts, Falling for the Groomsmen

Katee Robert, Seducing the Bridesmaid

Samanthe Beck, Best Man with Benefits

Coming June 9!

All Wedding Dare Series Books on Goodreads

*****

Author Info:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Giveaway and Wedding Dare/Brazen Swag

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9172c1159/

*****

Review Tour Schedule

May 13

Little Read Riding Hood

Cocktails and Books

Make My Day Book Club

Hesperia Loves Books

Talking Books Blog

Books Books & More Books

May 14

The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club

May 15

Made For You Book Reviews

Bittersweet Book Love

May 16

My Favorite Things

Madison Says

The Romance Evangelist

Book Lovin’ Mamas

Read-Love-Blog

The Geekery Book Review

Reading Between the Wines

Romantic Reads and Such

Book Review – Rebound and Smoking Holt

11 Sunday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Rebound, Sabrina York, Smoking Holt

I read these (and wrote the reviews) at separate times but I thought that they we be good to post together …

*****

A Smoldering Longtime Crush and a Hero on a Mission to Win His Kiss…

Kristi Cross has had the hots for her friend, Cameron Jackson as long as she can remember, but she knows she’s not his type. She’s nothing like the women he dates. So when he suggests they play for a kiss over a game of Hearts, Kristi can’t resist. Even if she loses, she wins. Because she’s finally going to taste him.

Of course, one kiss can quickly become something altogether steamier, especially when both parties are on the rebound…

There is a note from the publisher on this one that Rebound is an erotic romance so you should be ready for “explicit language and adult situations” … if you’ve read some of my other reviews, you know that I’m fine with just about any level of heat. I like the sweet romances that never even get near first base and those that round the bases more than once, with a lot of gusto. I can definitely say this one is quite spicy, but it also has that touch of sweet to keep it even. It won’t be for everyone but if that is your thing then I highly recommend starting here.

The whole friends to lovers plotline is one of my favorites and York handles it very well. I like both Kristi and Cam – she’s had feelings for him for years but he’s only recently started to see her in a new light. I adore how hesitant he is about approaching her. It shows that he cares and he’s not willing to lose her friendship. He wants more but he’s gentleman enough to make sure that she wants it too … but he’s willing to man up and ask. Once the offer is out there though, she grabs it with both hands. To her she’s finally getting something she’s wanted for a long time and she’s going to take advantage of every minute. And if you are into the sizzle, then Rebound is definitely for you because the sex between them is off-the-charts hot.

We also get introduced to some of their other friends who will be featured in future stories, which is fun. You get an idea of a couple of possible plots and, since this book has been out for over a year, there are already a couple out there to pick up. I found York’s style to be addictive so I’m definitely looking forward to continuing with her “Tryst Island” series.

*****

A Simmering Attraction, An Irresistible Challenge

Bella Cross has had a thing for Holt Lamm since college, but his scorching dominant energy scares her to death. And his list of conquests annoys her. But when Holt catches her smoking, and offers her something else to fixate on–if only for a night–she simply cannot resist.

Before long, they are both lost in an erotic exploration that will last longer than one night. Perhaps forever…

Like Rebound, Smoking Holt is extra steamy … and extra yummy. And like Kristi and Cam, Holt and Bella have known each other for years but their’s has been a more conflicted relationship. Both have had a thing for the other but neither knew it so there are a lot of misconceptions going around. Once they get that all straightened out, though, it is time to heat up the sheets … and the pool table … and the wall …

If you’ve read Rebound, then you know that Holt is into the BDSM scene so be prepared for erotic scenes in that vein. It’s not really my normal thing, but I found it hot regardless. I’m probably not going to try it at home, but it was fun reading about it and Holt is quite the sexy master.

Smoking Holt is novella length so things move quickly but it is quite enjoyable. We don’t get quite the relationship lead up that we did in Rebound but the characters are still interesting and the plot has great flow. If you are looking for a steamy read then I highly recommend this Tryst Island series. Granted I’ve only read the two but I’ve really gotten a kick out of both.

Book Review – Bliss

10 Saturday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bliss, Book Review, Hilary Fields

Nothing says “oops” like your naked ass skidding in the salmon mousse…
A year ago, pastry chef Serafina Wilde’s seemingly perfect life fell to pieces. So now, when her eccentric Aunt Pauline calls from Santa Fe needing her help, Sera jumps at the chance to start over. Pauline even offers to let her take over the family business, “Pauline’s House of Passion,” and turn it into a bakery… provided she agrees not to ditch the “back room.” Cupcakes and sex toys don’t exactly mix but Sera is willing to try, and what she finds in the beautiful City Different is the best life has to offer — if she has the courage to go for it.

Bliss is one of those that is more women’s fiction than romance, although there is definitely a love story involved. Mainly though we follow Sera as she turns her life around and finds herself. It’s a fun and uplifting ride.

Her life implodes, well she implodes it, and she moves to Santa Fe to start over. She runs home to help her aunt, ending up in a wacky and wonderful world that is full of colorful characters. I absolutely loved the Back Room Babes and how they embrace their individuality and help Sera find a path that makes her happy.

Oh, and that love story? Asher is divine. He’s got his own troubles to overcome and although we don’t focus on those a lot we do get his involvement with Sera. He helps her see herself in a new way and look to the future in a different way. It’s sweet and fun and he’s sexy as all get out. Even though he’s not the main focal point of the book, he’s definitely one of the bright spots (along with the BRBs).

The ending, although a little predictable, is entertaining and humorous and fitting. It is that moment when Sera really gets things going right and realizes it and I loved every minute of it.

Bliss is funny and cute and zany and fulfilling and sweet and saucy. With a ton of silliness and heartfelt moments and tenderness, it’s perfect for just about any mood.

Guest Post – Just A Kiss

05 Monday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

Ally Broadfield, Book Review, It's In His Kiss series, Just a Kiss

This morning we welcome Ally Broadfield as she shares some secrets about her writing and gives us a look at her newest book, Just a Kiss. I was lucky to get an advance copy of JaK and found it to be a ton of fun … check out all of the book details, along with my review, below!

*****

Hi, Julie! Thanks so much for having me on Romantic Reads and Such. I’m excited to be here.

I’m going to make a confession. I’ve always been jealous of writers who have playlists for each of their books and are able to listen to music that motivates them and helps them write. I guess I’m too easily distracted, because I can’t write and listen to music at the same time.

I usually write during the day when my husband is at work and the kids are at school, but a few weeks ago I was facing a looming deadline that forced me to write in the evenings and on the weekends. In order to be productive, I had to do something to block out the noise and interruptions from my family, so in desperation, I grabbed my headphones and found an eighties channel to listen to on my computer. For the first time, listening to music worked for me, probably because I am a child of the eighties and know all of the songs so well I was able to stay focused on the writing.

Then something even more extraordinary happened. The song Almost Paradise from the movie Footloose came on, immediately thrusting me back to my seventh grade spring dance and the boy I had been crushing on all year – along with the other 150 girls in my class. All of a sudden, I had all the feels. The rush of adrenaline as he approached, the excitement and fear when he asked me(!) to dance, the delicious heat of his hand on my back and his arms around my waist. And the words began to flow as the hero and heroine of the story engaged in their own dance.

I’m still easily distracted by music when I write, but now I’ve discovered the secret to evoke the feelings and emotions that add depth to my writing.

How about you? Are there certain songs that can transport you to another time and place?

*****

Just A Kiss

by Ally Broadfield

Blurb:

His proposal could only lead to temptation…

Charlotte Lightwood has one season to find a husband or she’ll be forced to marry her guardian’s loathsome cousin. With no title or dowry, she doesn’t have much hope of making a good match. Sebastian Wilkinson, the Earl of Marley, has been the most eligible bachelor on the marriage mart for more years than he cares to count and is very aware of his duty to marry a woman who will add to the wealth and stature of his title. Sebastian makes Charlotte an offer she can’t refuse: he will pretend to court her to help her attract more suitors in exchange for her advice about which ladies he should pursue. As they work together, their mutual attraction grows. When they realize they just might be perfect for one another, they must decide whether to bow to the dictates of society or follow their hearts.

Goodreads: Amazon: Barnes & Noble: Entangled

*****

Author Info:

Ally lives in Texas and is convinced her house is shrinking, possibly because she shares it with three kids, five dogs, a cat, a rabbit, and several reptiles. Oh, and her husband. She likes to curse in Russian and spends most of her time letting dogs in and out of the house and shuttling kids around. She writes historical romance set in Regency England and Imperial Russia.

She loves to hear from readers and you can find her on her website, Facebook, and Twitter, though she makes no claims of using any of them properly.

Website:Blog:Twitter:Facebook:Goodreads:

*****

Review:

Just a Kiss is a novella in the It’s in His Kiss series and looks like a fantastic start. At just over 100 pages, the two do fall in love pretty quickly but that’s what you expect in a novella but, an important thing for me, I didn’t feel cheated by the length of the story. Broadfield gives her readers a complete, and amazingly sweet, story in just about 100 pages.

Marley is your typical lord – concerned about his title, his position in society and the future of his line. But he also loves his grandmother dearly, is dedicated to his friends, and is willing to help out those he feels aren’t being treated fairly. And that includes Charlotte.

Charlotte is the poor relation and it’s obvious, plus she’s a little out of her depth in London society. But she’s also caring and kind. When she catches Marley’s eye, as well as his grandmother’s, her season is starting to look up. Only the more time she spends with Marley the more attracted she is to him and she’s definitely not his social equal.

The struggle between what Marley should do and what he wants to do is handled deftly. Again, this is a novella so it all happens quickly – we know that a happy ending is in their future but Broadfield makes it fun getting there. She also introduces us Marley’s friend Lord Ashdown and Princes Tarasova, a possible bride for him and quick friend to Charlotte. Both are very appealing and hopefully will play a starring role in the next installment in the series.

Just a Kiss is the perfect choice for readers who are looking for a quick read on a beautiful spring day. It may go fast but you’ll devour every page and finish with a little happy sigh.

*****

Giveaway:

$25 gift card and other small surprises from Ally Broadfield

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554338/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the other sites participating in this tour!

Book Review – No Sunshine When She’s Gone

04 Sunday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Barefoot Williams series, Book Review, Kate Angell, No Sunshine When She's Gone

Life’s a Beach

Though his family owns the charming beachside town of Barefoot William, Aidan Cates is as down-to-earth as the locals. He’s also practical to a fault and doesn’t believe some psychic on the boardwalk can predict his future.

Jillie Mac is as free as an ocean breeze, so when the hot stranger and his date mistake her for a fortune teller, she’s ready to have some fun. But one devastating secret told, one mistaken identity revealed, and numerous long summer nights later, it’s Jillie and Aidan who discover that sometimes love comes with a simple twist of fate.

Fans of Angell’s Richmond Rogues are going to be absolutely thrilled with the newest Barefoot William book because she’s brought our baseball team to Florida! Jillie is in town as the community liaison for the Rogues and Aidan is building their new spring training facility in Barefoot William, which means we get tidbits here and there from our favorite ball players. I didn’t a little jig when I realized what I was reading, so very cool!

Aidan is hardworking and smart, same a Jillie, and they both place high importance on their loved ones. Jillie has some hangups from her past but I love that Aidan gave her the chance to work through them herself and never lost patience with her. And not only do we get Jillie and Aidan who are fantastic together, but we also get to meet Jillie’s assistant Carrie and Aidan’s right-hand man, Mike. Mike too is very prickly thanks to his past but thanks to Carrie he too is able to find a way to the other side. Carrie is quirky and fun and the perfect foil for the growly Mike. Both couples pulled me in and kept me turning pages as quickly as I could to find out what happened next. They are very real and felt like good friends by the time I was done.

If you’ve read No Tan Lines and No Strings Attached, the first two Barefoot William books, you know exactly what to expect from No Sunshine When She’s Gone. There are a ton of quirky and fun characters, a heart-tugging romance, and lots of friends and family just waiting to make you smile. Kate Angell ranks up there with Susan Mallery, Jill Shalvis or Kristen Higgens for me – they give their readers beautifully written stories with a small town feel. And for me reading a Barefoot William book is like coming home again. You get to see some of your favorite people again but you also get to meet new ones too. (But if you haven’t read the earlier books from either series, don’t worry, you’ll be fine.)

Put on some sunscreen and find some space in the sun, it’s time to settle in and enjoy another fantastic summer read by Ms. Angell … No Sunshine When She’s Gone is a can’t miss, guaranteed to put you in a happy, beachy kind of mood.

Book Review – Hot Mess

03 Saturday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Hostile Operations Team series, Hot Mess, Lynn Raye Harris

English professor Dr. Georgeanne Hayes has a problem. Her star pupil, an Army sergeant who works in a top-secret government program, is missing—and someone tried to push her in front of a train last night.

Sam “Knight Rider” McKnight is used to looking out for Georgie. When they were kids, she was just his best friend’s baby sister. But Georgie’s not a baby anymore and Sam is getting some very male—and very dirty—thoughts about the girl he knows he can never have.

When someone threatens Georgie’s life again, Sam will do anything necessary to keep her safe. Even if it means spending the next few days locked up in a remote house on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her.

Sam might be used to denying himself what he wants, but he’s about to find out that being cooped up with Georgie will push him to the limit. And maybe beyond.

Unlike Hot Pursuit, Hot Mess is more romance than thriller. There is a little bit involving the disappearance of Georgie’s student and what that means for her, but the majority of the story is about Sam and Georgie’s feelings. (Now, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a bad thing, but if you are looking for a lot of action this isn’t it. Definitely check out Hot Pursuit though because that one was a ton of fun.)

Sam has had a thing for Georgie (and her for him) for years. Unfortunately Sam comes with a lot of baggage from his past and now there is the difficulty of a life in a covert military group. Even if he could get over his feeling of being unworthy of Georgie, his job does not make it easy to have a relationship. He has so much going for him though – he’s strong and smart and dedicated – he just has to realize that … and then Georgie has to decide if she can accept a world where he could leave at the drop of a hat and maybe not come back. She is sure of her feelings for Sam but his new career has to be taken into consideration too. When they are thrown together in a small house, isolated and alone, their feelings prove difficult to ignore.

I loved these two together. They steam up the sheets, but they also warm up the heart. Sam’s concerns are very real and very valid. It isn’t easy being a military wife and it has to be even harder when your husband is in such a covert group. But Harris handles it beautifully and you finish with a great warm & fuzzy feeling. And with the anticipation of more stories in the future.